A lot of Guitar related books start with a story about
the instrument and its' history. As a young guy, more
interested in electric guitars I tend to overlook those
chapters but in fact they are interesting as well in the
development of the guitar as it is to these days.
The "soundbox" consists of a turtle shell that has been
covered with what most likely was a goat skin. The neck
already was a "neck thru body" construction as it holds
the 3 strings as well. In this case the strings are nylon
ones but in history they must have been made out of gut.
The strings can be tuned but weren't ment to be fingered
on a neck like this but acted as a drone.
The carvings as have been done on this neck have a mere
ornamental function and were probably different each time
and in correspondance of a certain tribe that made them.
- The bridge construction consist of a simple wooden bow that
- has been been carved for the support of the three strings.
In the Forderer collection an identical example can be found
on youtube however the "soundholes" made here are not present
on that instrument. Probably a new invention later in time?
As the Oud is a more well known predecessor of the guitar,
I figured this simple instrument deserves a place here.
